GeForce GTX 590 vs Maxwell GPU Surface Book
GeForce GTX 590
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Maxwell GPU Surface Book
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GTX 590 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.9% higher G3D Mark score and 50% more VRAM (3 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Maxwell GPU Surface Book.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.9%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.9%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2011 / Fermi 2.0 (2010−2014)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+50%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Maxwell GPU Surface Book holds the technical lead. Priced at $75 (vs $100), it costs 25% less, resulting in a 32.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+32.1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($100) | ✅More affordable ($75) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 590 and Maxwell GPU Surface Book
GeForce GTX 590
The GeForce GTX 590 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 24 2011. It features the Fermi 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 607 MHz. It has 1024 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 365W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,341 points. Launch price was $699.
Maxwell GPU Surface Book
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is manufactured by an unknown manufacturer. It was released in October 1 2015. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 954 MHz to 993 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,311 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GTX 590 scores 3,341 and the Maxwell GPU Surface Book reaches 3,311 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.9% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 590 is built on Fermi 2.0 while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book uses Maxwell, both on 40 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 1,024 (GeForce GTX 590) vs 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,341 | 3,311 |
| Architecture | Fermi 2.0 | Maxwell |
| Process Node | 40 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 1024 ×2+167% | 384 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GTX 590 comes with 3 GB of VRAM, while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book has 2 GB. The GeForce GTX 590 offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 3 GB+50% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 256-bit+100% | 128-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (GeForce GTX 590) vs 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 3.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 (11_0) |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4+33% | 3 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: PureVideo HD (VP5) vs PureVideo VP6. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTX 590) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | None |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD (VP5) | PureVideo VP6 |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 590 draws 365W versus the Maxwell GPU Surface Book's 30W — a 169.6% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 700W (GeForce GTX 590) vs 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book). Power connectors: 2x 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Typical load temperature: 90°C vs 85.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 365W | 30W-92% |
| Recommended PSU | 700W | 350W-50% |
| Power Connector | 2x 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | — | 0mm |
| Height | — | 0mm |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 90°C | 85-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 9.2 | 110.4+1100% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 590 launched at $699 MSRP and currently averages $100, while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book launched at $150 and now averages $75. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book costs 25% less ($25 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 33.4 (GeForce GTX 590) vs 44.1 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) — the Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers 32% better value. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2011).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 590 | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699 | $150-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $75-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.4 | 44.1+32% |
| Codename | GF110 | Surface Book |
| Release | March 24 2011 | October 1 2015 |
| Ranking | #555 | #779 |
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